Nearly 10,000 long-distance runners from Nigeria, neighboring West African nations, and East Africa are anticipated to assemble in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for a global 21-kilometer half-marathon.
Organizers noted that the spectacle, slated for November 14, 2026, signals a fresh chapter for the contest following ten years of hosting mostly domestic competitors.
Addressing newsmen during a media conference on Monday to formally unveil the timetable, the Convener of the Port Harcourt International Marathon, Goodluck Azunwena, remarked that the 2026 gathering surpasses a mere athletic fixture, highlighting heritage, travel, and wellness via athletics beneath the slogan, “Green Race.”
Azunwena said, “As we celebrate a decade of purpose, we are proud to officially reopen this chapter of our journey, driven by renewed energy and an even bigger vision, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Marathon taking place on November 14.
“A world-class event that represents far more than a race. It is a platform for unity, tourism, economic growth, healthy living, youth empowerment and global visibility. Through it, we invite the world to experience the true spirit of Port Harcourt.”
He stated that planners have already obtained the backing of the Rivers State Government alongside select commercial allies, while continuing to welcome extra corporate backing.
Regarding projected turnout, Azunwena mentioned that earlier stagings drew roughly 5,000 enrolled runners, but involvement has now been broadened owing to surging enthusiasm locally and internationally.
“For this edition, our projection is to have at least 10,000 runners register for the race. Everything in terms of security has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free event,” he said.
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In her statement, an executive of the tournament, Diri Dikibujuri, shared that the landmark 10th iteration has been titled “Port Harcourt to the World.”
She said, “As we celebrate the decade of the ‘Green Race’, we are transitioning from what we used to know as the Port Harcourt City Marathon to the Port Harcourt International Marathon. We are proud to announce this year that we are welcoming runners from across Nigeria and other West African countries and East Africa.”
She clarified that the motif, “Green Race,” was selected to demonstrate the competition’s elevated perspective. “We all know green means life, renewal and growth. In this case, green signifies Port Harcourt as the Garden City. The word ‘race’ goes beyond athletics or sports. It signifies humanity running towards a better life, impact and sustainability,” Dikibujuri said.
She continued, “Together, Green Race is about taking Port Harcourt to the world by building an initiative that delivers multidimensional impact.
“We are bringing together sports, culture, sustainability, education, empowerment, environmental advocacy and youth development under one umbrella. We have activities before the race, on race day and after the race, all aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11 and 13 because it is an international race.
“We are engaging the entire Port Harcourt community in moving towards a greener city. In the end, we are not just taking Port Harcourt to the world; we are bringing the garden back to the city.”
